Charly Musonda has been told to do his talking with his feet after apparently expressing annoyance at a lack of first-team opportunities with Chelsea.

Press Association Sport understands Musonda, 21 on Saturday, has been told to look at the examples of Andreas Christensen, Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek for a pathway into the Premier League champions' first team.

Defender Christensen is getting an opportunity this season after two successful years in the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach.

Striker Abraham and midfielder Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, are taking their chances this season at Swansea and Crystal Palace, respectively.

Belgium forward Musonda, who has remained with Chelsea this term after an underwhelming spell at Real Betis, on Monday night posted a cryptic message on Instagram alongside a blank image.

The accompanying message was deleted on Tuesday, but the blank image remained.

The post read: "You sacrifice, you work hard, harder, you give more than what's expected, and often more than you can, because you love what you do and clearly more than you should. And what do you get back? Literally nothing... done.

"However, with this being said I will continue with same dedication and commitment to this great game."

Some interpreted the post as a criticism of Chelsea and head coach Antonio Conte, but Press Association Sport understands Musonda has denied that was the case.

Musonda had an impressive full debut against Nottingham Forest, scoring in the Carabao Cup win last month, but has received no guarantees over playing time under Conte.

The Italian demands more of even his most established players and the same is true of Musonda.

Conte praised Musonda following the Forest win, but said the slight Belgian has work to do to be ready for the rigours of the Premier League.

The Blues boss said on September 20: "I think Charly played very well. He's trying to work a lot to improve his physical impact.

"He's a talented player and he has to continue in this way. When there is the opportunity, the chance, to help us, he must do this."